Mykeal Mcateer pleads guilty to hit and run in St Leonards

A 30-year-old father who left a victim with spinal injuries after running him over in St Leonards has fronted court.

Mykeal Mcateer. Picture: Facebook

A 30-year-old father who left a man with spinal injuries after running him over in St Leonards following an argument has fronted court.

Mykeal McAteer, of Werribee, pleaded guilty in Geelong County Court on Thursday to negligently driving a motor vehicle to cause serious injury and failing to render assistance.

Crown prosecutor Richard Pirrie said on July 16, 2019, McAteer hit the man with his car after he was told to leave his home.

McAteer, and his then partner Maddison Lockman, knocked on the victim’s door in Blanche St just after 10pm and were asked to leave the premises, the court heard.

McAteer told police the argument started because Ms Lockman owed money to a member of the household.

Mr Pirrie said Ms Lockman and McAteer walked toward the car but were followed by the victim as another argument broke out.

McAteer got into his car and drove away before turning around and running the victim over.

“The offender accelerated and drove onto the incorrect side of the road before hitting the victim with his car,” Mr Pirrie said.

The court heard the victim jumped as the car approached him and hit the windscreen before landing on his back.

McAteer then drove away without trying to help.

The victim suffered spinal injuries and required a metal plate to be inserted into his spine.

When asked by police if he hit anyone, McAteer said “something hit the windscreen” but claimed he had “no idea” what it was it was.

McAteer’s lawyer, Ashley Patterson told the court her client had a difficult upbringing and had problems with drugs.

McAteer will be sentenced on September 28.

Ms Lockman was not charged over the incident.

Originally published as Mykeal Mcateer pleads guilty to hit and run in St Leonards